Like other rare breed guinea pigs, the alpaca guinea pig is a hard guinea pig to find and is often bred by specialist breeders.

It is rare to find them in pet stores, however they are a guinea pig that is much loved for their pleasant and lovable personality.

Before we move onto how to care for them and groom them, here are some basic facts about the alpaca guinea pig, to help you get to know them better.

They were bred as domestic cavy and bare little resemblance to their south american ancestors.

Alpaca’s come in many different colours.

They have long coarse, wavy hair which has different colouring on its ends as opposed to the main body of it.

They get their name from their close resemblance to the alpaca animal

Alpaca guinea pigs have a rosette on their foreheads

They are indoor animals who do not do well outside.

They do need their hair trimmed on a consistent basis.

They need their hair brushed on a daily basis so it doesn’t tangle.

They need to be bathed on a monthly basis so as to wash away and dirt and grime which the Alpaca cant reach.

Its hair can very easily become matted if it is not groomed well by its owner.

Alpaca’s are very affectionate creatures who enjoy human company as well as the company of other guinea pigs no matter the breed.

How To Care for an Alpaca guinea pig.

The alpaca guinea pig is not good as a first guinea pig. This is because they are quite high maintenance guinea pigs compared to other guinea pig breeds such as the american cavy.

This is because of the length of their hair which requires brushing and de-tangling on a daily basis.

It also needs trimming on a monthly basis especially around the legs and the anus as dirt, grime and excrement can gather which hasn’t been dealt with and cleaned off by the Alpaca.

They need to live in a tidy environment so that their hair does not pick up any unwanted debris.

They need to live indoors and do not live well outside.

They feed on an average guinea pig diet of hay, vitamin c pellets, fresh water and veggies.

They need their nails trimmed on a monthly basis, just like other guinea pig breeds to stop them from curling into their footpad.

Grooming tips for an alpaca guinea pig.

When an Alpaca’s hair starts to drag along the floor, then its time to trim their hair below the body.

Take care when combing their hair as de-tangling can hurt it and cause the Alpaca to squirm and jump. In fact, it is hard not to do this, but be persistent in getting the tangles out even if you have to trim the tangle off.

Take care when trimming around their anus so as to ensure that you avoid cutting the genitals.

Trimming their hair will ensure that they are more comfortable especially In the warmer months.

Check that their hair does not mat, if it does then it will need trimming as matting is hard if not impossible to brush out.

The Merino is a beautiful cross breed which is much the same as the Texel guinea pig.

Like the texel,they are fairly new to the guinea pig breeds.

But before we look at ‘how to groom them’ and ‘ how to look after them’ here are some key facts about the Merino guinea pig to help introduce you to them.

1. The Merino guinea pig is a non-self variety of guinea pig

2. The merino is a rare breed of guinea pig
3. It has a coat that is spring-like and soft.
4. The coat can be shown in any colour or any combinations of colour
5. It much have a head rosette that is deep with a pointed centre
6. its a curly coated guinea pig
7. it has a large crest on its head
8. The only difference between a merino and a texel guinea pig is the crest/rosette on top of its head.
9. It has a great temperament.
10. They are not a very common breed
11. They are usually obtained from breeders and not pet stores.
12. They are not recommended as a first guinea pig as they are high maintenance.

How to care for a Merino guinea pig

As mentioned, Merino’s require a lot of care due to the amount of hair that they have.

Their hair needs to be kept off the floor as it will drag along it if not careful, and pick up excrement.

They are prone to getting hay and bedding stuck in their hair and so need to be checked daily for this.

They need their hair trimmed short regularly around the anus to prevent excrement from building up around it.

Bathing once a month will be sufficient to help maintain cleanliness, otherwise they are very good at keeping themselves clean.

They need their nails trimmed on a monthly basis, just like other guinea pig breeds.

They have the same diet as other types of guinea pig, so 75% hay complimented by vitamin c pellets, fresh water and a varied veggie diet.

How to groom a merino guinea pig

The hair of the merino is easily combable, however they do need to be groomed often because of the nature of their hair.

by trimming their hair you will help to keep them comfortable,although they may not thank you for it at the time. it keeps up a good standard of hygiene and limits infections.

Unfortunately, long hair tends to soak up pee which does them no good.

Their hair can matt very easily hence why they need a bath once a month to keep it maintained well as mentioned above, trim the hair around the anus regularly to prevent a build up of unwanted excrement.

You can use safety scissors or hairdresser scissors to cut their hair, although electric clippers are very effective at doing this and allow you to get a good cut that scissors just can’t do.

A wire tooth comb/brush is best for brushing their hair.

Another good tip is to run your fingers through their hair in order to get rid of any tangles that may have built up. They do enjoy that as well.

In this post, we are looking at the beautiful Texel guinea pig. A wonderful cross-breed guinea pig which is relatively new on the scene as far as guinea pig breeds are concerned.

Before looking at ‘how to look after them’ and ‘grooming tips’, here are some facts about the Texel guinea pig to introduce you to them.

The Texel guinea pig is a non-self variety of guinea pig.

They are a main classified breed

A Texel guinea pig has a long coat the flows back over the body.

Its coat is distinctive because of its curls

The Texel originated in England in the 1980s when a Silkie guinea pig was crossed with a Rex guinea pig

It was recognised by ACBA in 1998

To be recognised officially as a Texel guinea pig, curls of the guinea pig should be wound in a corkscrew and need to cover the whole body, this includes the stomach

Texel guinea pigs are usually obtained from breeders or rescues and not regular pet stores.

They are a high maintenance guinea pig, and are not recommended as a first guinea pig

Texel’s need a good deal of time spent grooming them.

How to care for a Texel Guinea Pig

As mentioned earlier, Texel guinea pigs are require quite a lot of care because of the amount of hair they have.

They need attention in these ways;

Their hair needs keeping off the floor because it will drag and pick up excrement.

Texel’s can get hay and bedding stuck in their hair and so this requires checking on a daily basis.

They especially need their hair trimmed short regularly around the anus to stop excrement from building up in the hair.

Texel guinea pigs are prone to ear wax build up and scurfy skin much more than other guinea pigs so beware of this.

They don’t need to be bathed any more regularly than other piggies. So once a month will do fine for them.

They also need their nails trimmed on a monthly basis as with other guinea pig breeds.

Texel’s also have the same diet as other guinea pigs, so feeding the timothy hay, vitamin c pellets, and fresh water along with a varied veggie diet will do them good.
Image: Wikipedia

Texel guinea pig grooming tips

Texel’s needs regular grooming due to the nature of their hair.

By trimming their hair you are keeping them more comfortable, maintaining a good standard of hygiene, and reducing the chances of infections. Their long hair naturally soaks up pee which is not good for them.

If their hair is not washed, then it can matt very easily so washing it on a monthly basis will keep it maintained well.

Texel owners recommend keeping the hair around its backside much shorter as the longer hair can get wet very easily from urine and cause disease and infection.

As mentioned above, trim their hair short around the backside and around the sides.

To trim their hair you can use safety scissors or hairdresser scissors. However, electric clippers are the most effective way of doing it cutting their hair as they allow you to get a good cut that scissors can’t do.

Brush their hair regularly. A wired tooth comb is the best brush/comb for the job.

Running your fingers through their hair regularly will get rid of any tangles and they love it as well.

How to care for a Sheltie guinea pig

They obviously need feeding well, and so the regular guinea pig diet of timothy hay, pellets, water, supplemented by veggies will do nicely for them.

Getting the sheltie used to hair brushing is something which needs to be started early in their lives.

Doing regular brushing when their hair is not tangled will help keep their in good shape.

Bathing can be tricky with a Sheltie as they are sensitive to being bathed. You can spot clean them though.

Owners can ‘butt-bath’ them though which is just bathing their backsides to wash away excrement. This should be done every few weeks.

Guinea pigs love to groom themselves, but unfortunately the Sheltie is unable to keep up with this because of their hair, and so will need regular assistance bathing and grooming.

The personality and temperament of a Sheltie guinea pig

Sheltie guinea pig’s are known for being very gentle and supple creatures.

They are also quite laid back in character, and when of first meet them they may come across as quite timid, but as they warm to you, you will see more of they’re true character.

Tips for trimming and cutting the hair of a sheltie guinea pig

Did you know that a Sheltie’s hair can grow at a rate of 2.5 centimeters (about an inch) per month? (Source: Peter Gurney’s “What’s My Guinea Pig?” (TFH Publications, 1997)).

Trimming a Sheltie’s coat on a regular basis is really important, it can quickly grow out of control and can affect their quality of life.

Here are some tips for trimming their coat’s.

Regularly trim the coat around the backside and belly to stop the hair being soaked in urine

They are sensitive about being groomed in particular from behind the shoulders

The trick to trimming a sheltie coat is to layer cut it so that the rear end doesn’t become soiled at all.

For male shelties, trim as much as possible around the rump. This is because when they excrete, the faecies get stuck in the hair and in the anus, which is unhealthy and uncomfortable for the poor Sheltie. Older males often have trouble excreting so is will also help aid them.

A great video on the subject is the one below, which is detailed explanation of trimming a Sheltie’s hair.

Caring for an Agouti guinea pig

Because of their smooth hair, Agouti’s make great guinea pigs for children or those who have never owned one before. Their hair doesn’t need much maintenance at all compared to other guinea pig breeds. Just make sure it gets plenty of stroking time and the occasional brush is very much appreciated by them.

They can be fed the standard guinea pig diet of timothy hay, fresh water on a daily basis, fresh vegetables and a vitamin c supplement. Lots of fresh grass would also be appreciated if you have it.

They are naturally quite shy guinea pigs but do warm to you as they get to know you, so do spend time with them when you first get them. Like other guinea pigs, they appreciate company the most and do not like to be alone, even if it is just being in the same vicinity as other guinea pigs so do consider getting another guinea pig or two to keep it company if you haven’t already.

As with other breeds, do trim their nails on a monthly basis to keep them from curling and watch for mites and infections on their feet.

Agouti showing standards

The agouti guinea pig is very popular with breeders because of their beautiful appearance, resembling the wild guinea pigs of their south american heritage.

Head – It should be short and broad with a profile that gently curves.

Muzzle – It should be of good width and rounded gently at the nostrils

Eyes – They should be large, bright and bold and nicely set width in between.

Ears – They should be large and drooping, with a lower rim that is parallel to the ground and set with a good width in between.

Body –It should be short and cobby with shoulders that are deep and broad.

Fitness – It should be fit and of good substance that has firm flesh

Ticking – Should be sharp and level over the head, chest, feet and body. its under colour should be carried well down to the skin.

Belly – Should be the same colour as the ticking colour.

Coat – should be soft and silky, should be clean and short and groomed free of guard hairs

Extra Guidance For Showing An Agouti Guinea Pig

It is a dark-eyes guinea pig where the ticking covers the whole of its body apart from its belly

When an agouti is judged, the quality of the ticking, type, colour, and condition are most significant.

An agouti should not be penalised for any minor faults they have if the have these kind of faults.

The most important thing is their quality or cobbyness as opposed to their size

It is vital that the agouti is groomed so as to produce and even effect on its body and sides

Poor colour can occur when it has chest faults so do be aware of this.

Agouti’s should not be penalised for having a wide belly except when the colour of the belly is visible when viewed from the side.

It is better for an Agouti to have dark or un-ticked feet rather than light or uneven feet.

The Colours of Agouti Guinea Pigs

Cinnamon agouti’s – It has a deep rich cinnamon under-colour that has a silver ticking. its belly is a silver colour that is rich and even and has no whiteness. Its eyes are a ruby colour and has ears and pads that are a cinnamon colour.

Lemon agouti – It has an under-colour that is deep black that has a lemon ticking. Its belly colour should be an even lemon. They have dark eyes and black ears and pads.

Chocolate agouti – It has a deep rich chocolate under-colour that has an orange ticking. Its belly has a rich orange colour and it has ruby eyes, it has ears and pads that are chocolate.

Cream Agouti – It has a a deep rich chocolate colour that has cream ticking. Its belly should be cream, it should have ruby coloured eyes and chocolate pads and ears.

Golden Agouti – It has an under colour that is deep black with dark golden ticking. Its belly should be a rich and even mahogany and not have any brassiness. It has dark eyes and it has black ears and pads

Silver agouti – Has a deep black under-colour. It has a belly which is a rich and even silver. No whiteness. It should have dark eyes and black ears and pads

In our series on guinea pig breeds, we look at the himalayan guinea pig in particular the breed type, appearance, specific care considerations, and showing requirements that it has.

The Himalayan is a fantastically beautiful piggie breed known as the siamese cat of the guinea pig world and pretty common compared to other breeds.

Lets find out more about it…

Breed type

The Himalayan guinea pig is a non-self variety of guinea pig.

It is a main classified breed

Appearance of Himalayan Guinea Pigs

It is an albino guinea pig which develops pigment on its feet, nose and ears which are called points. These develop during the first months of its life.

The Himalayan guinea pig is a pointed pig which basically means that it has a white body that has darker highlights that are either chocolate or black on the feet, nose or ears.

After it is born, it takes several months for the darker points to grow to the correct density.

The darker points appear on the nose, with the colour growing to between the eyes as well as onto the whiskers.

On the Himalayan guinea pig the feet and ears are a matching colour

On their feet, the colour does not go back as far as the heels

It is commonly known as the Siamese cat of guinea pig breeds

It is a fairly common breed of guinea pig

Caring for Himalayan Guinea Pigs

They really do not like direct sunlight and need to be housed under shade

Like all guinea pigs, they need to be fed regularly with a diet of timothy hay, fresh veggies and water.

They are susceptible to the weather and need to be kept under good temperature conditions.

The colour of their points will fade if they are knocked and by bright light and hot weather

Their colour changes in accordance to the temperature of the climate where they reside.

In contrast, their points will form and grow in cold weather

In addition, the points will often also fade with age, with frights or any illness

Showing Himilayan Guinea Pigs

For this section, I am indebited to the Bluezak stud site for information on Himilayan showing requirements

They are very popular with breeders for show because of their appearance and ease of care.

They are exhibted in two colours which are Jet Black and Rich Milk Chocolate

When they are exhibited for show, the following are the standard requirements.

Head – needs to be short and broad with a profile that gently curves. A muzzle that is of good width and is rounded at the nostrils.

Eyes – need to be large, bold and bright, with good width between them. They should be coloured with black or rich milk chocolate and denser at the base of the ear. Should have bright red eyes.

Ears – they need to be large, drooping and with good width between them

Body – need to be short, cobby with good with across shoulders and body. Should be a pure white colour and not have any body pigment.

Fitness – need to be fit and of good substance, with lots of good firm flesh.

Size – need to have a good size appropriate to their age

Markings – need to be sharply defined dark and even points on face, feet and ears that are clearly marked from its white body colour.

Smut – it needs to be prominent and wider at nostrils. should be pear-shaped and carried up between the eyes. It should be sharply defined and coloured intensely in a rich milk chocolate or black colour.

The Rex Guinea pig is a lovely variety of guinea pig which is amazingly cute.

If you are looking for some information about the Rex, then here are 14 facts to introduce to this remarkable variety of cavy.

The rex guinea pig is a main classified breed

They are a non-self variety cavy. The non-self variety of guinea pig is divided into three sectors which are coated, long-haired and marked. They come in all kinds of different colours and appearances.

They can grow between 20-45 cm in length

They have dense woolly hair that stands up on end and ears that droop down over a large head

The style of their hair is caused by a gene that is recessive which causes it to be coarse and curly and not to lie smooth.

Their guard hairs are short which means the coat does not go flat, instead it curls and stands in an upright manner

The coat hair is not more than half and inch in length. This is the same lenth as the whole of its coat.

Rex guinea pigs do not have any rosettes in their fur.

There are also longer haired varieties appearing as well that have wavy hair.

The rex has been bred in most different colours and also cross-bred with other hair types as well.

They come in many different colours such as brown, white or agouti. There are all kinds of variation of colour when it comes to rex guinea pigs.

They are often mistaken for teddy guinea pigs. A rex tends to have a harsher coat than a teddy guinea pig whose coat is much softer. A rex also has curly whiskers and a teddy has straight whiskers. They are genetically different and it is said that if you breed them together you will get neither a rex or a teddy but probably an American short haired guinea pig.

They are great starter guinea pigs as the hair of the rex guinea pig does not require that much maintenance of cleaning unlike long haired varieties.

The rex guinea pig also has a very good temperament and loved to be handled and stroked and so are very good for children to look after, providing they are handled in a gentle way.